“We have been giving temporary jobs to unemployed people at the same time we’ve been able to assist communities around the state rebound from Sandy. Since obtaining the grant in the wake of the storm, we have put about 1,160 people to work on recovery efforts in 13 counties, including restoration projects in parks and properties operated by the Department of Environmental Protection, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,” said Commissioner Wirths of the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. 

The department applied for and obtained an initial $15.6 million NEG just days after Sandy hit to create temporary clean-up and recovery jobs in the aftermath of the storm. In April, the grant was extended to the end of 2014 with another $3.6 million being added to allow New Jersey to continue employing the unemployed in Sandy recovery projects. 

"Superstorm Sandy's rain, wind and relentless tidal surges cut a path of destruction across New Jersey.  Like much of the state, New Jersey National Guard facilities sustained significant damages," said Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff, The Adjutant General, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "The National Emergency Grant has provided temporary employment for individuals to help restore our facilities for activities to resume." 

To date, 76 temporary workers have helped to restore buildings and property around the National Guard Training Facility Center, including restoring artifacts in the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey, where 22 workers remain on the site. Another seven new-hires were enlisted recently, and up to five more may be brought on in coming days. 

The Sea Girt property was flooded with six feet of water causing damage to memorabilia in the museum, as well as damage to plumbing, electrical fixtures, drywall, furniture and fencing to other structures. The grant has helped to employ many veterans along with others to repair the facilities. 

There are approximately 52 people still working throughout the state under the NEG, with some working on DEP controlled parks and other state properties. Two weeks ago, one team of workers finished restoring trails and removing debris at the Palisades Interstate Park, a 12-mile long and half-mile wide tract that spans 2,500 acres of forested shorefront, uplands and cliffs between Bergen County, N.J. and New York. 

Job-seekers interested in a temporary job under the grant may still apply by sending an e-mail to: sandyhelp@dol.state.nj.us or by calling (609) 777-1836 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

National Emergency Grants are part of the United States Secretary of Labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on such grants, visit:

http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.